National News

(NEWSER) – At least 17 people were killed as a massive storm system ripped through the central and southern US yesterday, spawning deadly tornadoes in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Tornadoes also touched down in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri, reports the AP, which puts the death toll at 16 in Arkansas and one in Oklahoma. More:

The Little Rock suburb of Vilonia was one of the hardest-hit towns, with at least 10 people dead and other victims believed to be buried under rubble,Reuters reports. The county sheriff says there is a "mass casualty situation" with numerous people injured. "There's just really nothing there anymore," says the local school superintendent. "We're probably going to have to start all over again."